How It Began

Story by Dave Withrow

With 90 days to put together a bike show, the first annual Full Throttle Saloon/Bagger Nation/American Bagger - Badest Bagger in Sturgis Bike Show was facing an uphill challenge. Paul Yaffe confessed “If we get 30 Baggers the first year, we can build the show from there”. The entrants exceeded Paul’s humble goal, 80 contestants entered the inaugural event. The competition was fierce and seven Baggers could have easily won the contest. Awarded Baddest Bagger in Sturgis by the Entrants was Bob Closson Jr. for his amazing Bagger from Ballistic Cycles. DD Custom Cycle was awarded the American Bagger Editor’s Choice Award. Steve Kofsky won Best Ground-Up Custom on a NYC Bagger. Lee Schermerhorn won the Michael & Angie pick for Best in Show with their amazing Road King. John Shope won the Modified Class. Pete LeClair took home the People’s Choice Award and Gracy DeHerrera took home the Suzy Q Award for Baddest Bagger. With 51 weeks to prepare, next year’s show is prepped to be the biggest Bagger show in the country. For information on next year’s show, continue to read the pages of American Bagger Magazine or visit: www.fullthrottlesaloon.com